On February 14, as part of Heart Month, we at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) recognize the dedication and expertise of our Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCTs) and Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technicians who play a vital role in the Cardiac Diagnostics Department.

RCTs are highly trained health care professionals who contribute to every aspect of cardiology, working in specialized areas such as:

• Electrocardiography (ECG) – capturing heart rhythms to assist in diagnosis
• Echocardiography (Echo Lab) – using ultrasound to assess heart function
• Pacemaker Clinic – monitoring and ensuring pacemakers are functioning properly
• Stress Laboratory – conducting exercise and pharmacological stress tests to evaluate how the heart functions under exertion
• Cardiac Catheterization Lab – assisting with pacemaker programming during device insertions

Cardiology Technologists are integral to patient care, working alongside cardiologists and other health care physicians to ensure timely and accurate diagnose for heart patients across our region.

To become an RCT, you must first complete a Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT)-approved Cardiology Technology program and successfully pass the CSCT National Exam. There are many schools across the county with multiple delivery methods to suit most everyone’s situation.

RCTs are in high demand and there is the option of on the job training for those enrolled in an online program. To learn more about joining our team, please visit https://jobs.tbrhsc.net/.

Join us in celebrating our incredible Cardiac Diagnostics team and their dedication to heart health!

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A new team dedicated to transporting neonates and infants has started performing patient transfers at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).

In collaboration with the existing provincial transport teams and ORNGE, TBRHSC’s Paediatric Emergency Transport Team (PETT) is drastically improving access to care and reducing wait times for patients in communities across Northwestern Ontario, so they can receive the emergency care they need as fast as possible.

Prior to establishing this team, infants in need of emergency care had to wait at hospitals or health centres for transport teams from southern Ontario or Manitoba to be transferred to Thunder Bay or other tertiary centres. TBRHSC’s dedicated team will have a positive impact on timely access to care for infant patients across Northwestern Ontario – particularly for remote and Indigenous communities – and will help save the lives of some of Ontario’s youngest patients.

“This dedicated transport team provides specialized care that supports the unique care needs for the paediatric population of Northwestern Ontario,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC, CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “This vital service will improve health outcomes for newborns and infants requiring urgent or emergent care when transport to a tertiary care centre is needed.”

With this new team, Northwestern Ontario patients aged newborn to 12 months who require urgent or emergent care at a higher level than is in their community, will be transported by PETT and brought to the accepting hospital, depending on their needs. The transport team will eventually operate 24/7 and will consist of one registered respiratory therapist (RRT) and one registered nurse (RN), supported by a paediatrician.

“The specialized Paedatric Emergency Transport Team ensures that infants in the North have access to advanced care when they need it,” states Crystal Edwards, Director of Women and Children’s and Mental Health Programs at TBRHSC and Director of the Transport Team. “This effort brings us closer to harmonizing health care in Northwestern Ontario with the rest of the province. It will allow for relationship-building and shared skills and knowledge between the team and the regional hospitals and remote nursing stations. We are grateful for the support of our partners to make this a reality.”

To support PETT and its operations, a second paediatric transfer deck — used for transporting patients safely and efficiently — was recently added thanks to the generosity of donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and a matching contribution from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. While one paediatric transfer deck was already in operation, a second deck was needed to ensure the team can respond to even more critically ill children. To complete this deck, the Health Sciences Foundation successfully fundraised for two essential pieces of equipment: a ventilator and a defibrillator.

The Paediatric Emergency Transport Team will be implemented in phases, starting with coverage to stabilize and transfer newborns and infants up to 12 months of age, with the future plan to transport a larger paediatric population.

Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, Vice President, Patient Experience, Chief Nursing Executive and Regional Vice President, Regional Cancer Care

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As we move ahead with the next phase of our scheduling system upgrade, I am pleased to announce the official launch of Andgo Smartcall and Shift Prebooking for all areas managed by the Staffing Office. The go-live date is March 3, 2025.

What This Means for You:

• Starting March 3, the Staffing Office will no longer call staff about available shifts.
• Shift notifications will be fully automated through Andgo, making it easier and faster to stay informed.
• You will be able to update your notification preferences and bid on available shifts directly through Andgo.

To ensure you are prepared for the change, drop-in information sessions are scheduled to walk you through the features and benefits of Andgo. Please refer to the attached list for session dates and times — these sessions will help you navigate the system with confidence. Additionally, look out for roaming education on your units between February 18–28, where our team will be available to answer any questions and guide you through the transition.

We are also excited to share that the Mental Health Program and Women and Children Program are pilot units, experiencing Andgo before the full rollout. We are eager for the rest of the units to get started, as Andgo will give you more control over your scheduling and shift bidding, streamlining the entire process.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your supervisor, visit the Andgo Resource Page, or contact a member of the Andgo Implementation Team.

Thank you for your continued support and excitement as we roll out this innovative new system.

Andgo Implementation Team:

• Dawna Maria Perry – Co-Project Sponsor
• Rita Grenier Buchan – Project Lead
• Cora Rouillard – Integration Subject Matter Expert
• Laura Macgowan – HR Subject Matter Expert
• Dino Armenti – Resource – Payroll/Finance
• Michael Iorianni – Resource – Payroll
• Angela Kutok – PI Consultant

Shared on behalf of Chris McNaughton, Administrative Manager 2A/2B/2C and TCU

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I am pleased to announce that Rachel Lyon has accepted the position of Patient Care Manager, 2B Medical Inpatient Unit effective March 24, 2025.  

Rachel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, making her an excellent fit for our team. Rachel graduated from Lakehead University in 2019 and began her nursing career on 1A, working both on Medicine and on 1A Oncology, after completing her Chemotherapy/Biotherapy course through the Desouza Institute. Rachel went on to complete the Complex Malignant Hematology Course, also offered through the Desouza Institute. 

After her time as a Registered Nurse on Oncology, Rachel became the first Coordinator on 1A, assisting both on the unit, and with the Complex Malignant Hematology (CMH) Clinic. She assisted with the day-to-day operations of the unit and worked closely with the Cancer Centre by supporting the team with patient admissions and follow-up appointments upon discharge.  

Rachel is currently the Acting Manager on 1A where she has developed excellent leadership skills that will be invaluable in her new role. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our team and patients we serve. 

Please join me in welcoming Rachel to her new role.

Please share with your staff. 

Congratulations to Victoria Kerr!

We are thrilled to announce that Victoria Kerr is the recipient of the 2024 Seasons Gift Shop Volunteer Award. Victoria has been an invaluable volunteer with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) since 2019, and this award is a testament to the profound impact she has made through her dedicated service.

Victoria’s tireless commitment to the HELP program embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. Through her compassionate contributions, she has not only made a tangible difference in the lives of many but has also inspired others to join in this meaningful work.

The Seasons Gift Shop Volunteer Award includes a generous $1,000 monetary gift, sponsored by Seasons Gift Shop, which raises funds to support TBRHSC. This gift is meant to honor Victoria’s outstanding efforts and to support her continued education. As the award highlights, education plays a crucial role in the development of quality healthcare, and we hope this contribution will help Victoria further her studies.

Victoria plans to use the award to pursue her education in the Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) program, taking another step toward a bright future in health care.

Once again, congratulations, Victoria, and thank you for your exceptional dedication to making a difference!

As part of our commitment to keeping staff engaged and informed on our Strategic Plan 2026, Strategy and Performance is sharing updates in alignment with the identified priorities: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Patient Experience, Staff Experience and Research, Innovation, & Learning.

The February 12, Operational Updates and Strategic Planning Meeting featured an update on Staff Experience – Interprofessional Collaboration Strategy presented by Michelle Addison, Director, Health Professions & Collaborative Practice.

Visit the Strategic Plan 2026 page on the Hospital’s corporate intranet, where these presentations, along with other resources can be found.

Shared on behalf of Justin Garofalo, Interim Vice President, Corporate Services & CFO and Jeannine Verdenik, Vice President, People & Culture

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As we continue through the winter season with reduced daylight hours, it is critical to prioritize pedestrian safety. Especially in adverse weather conditions and times of reduced visibility. Our collective responsibility towards ensuring safe access to the Hospital is paramount. This memo is a reminder of our commitment to ensuring safety within our community. By adhering to travel practices, we contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Pedestrian Safety Guidelines

Designated Sidewalks & Crossings All pedestrians are to utilize official access sidewalks and designated pedestrian crossings. These areas are designed to enhance safety and visibility and receive added snow and ice control measures.

Visibility You may not be immediately visible to vehicular traffic. It is important to wait for vehicles to come to a complete stop and acknowledge your presence before proceeding to cross roadways. During the winter months, when visibility may be reduced due to daylight savings or weather conditions, is it crucial to travel along designated sidewalks and crossings.

Stop for Pedestrians When travelling by vehicle, stop for pedestrians waiting to cross a roadway. We emphasize the importance of safe driving in adverse weather conditions. Allow ample time to stop when approaching designated pedestrian crossings. Please encourage staff to reduce speed on hospital property and exercise increased caution at pedestrian crossings.

Key Takeaways:

· Staff are required to travel onto and off the property only via official access routes.

· While travelling on the property, please adhere to the use of sidewalks and designated crossings.

· While travelling by vehicle, stop for pedestrians to cross a roadway.

We thank everyone who continually exercises all measures of caution when entering and exiting Hospital property. We all share in the responsibility of keeping our workplace safe and together we can ensure that our property remains a safe zone for all staff, patients and families, and the greater community.

For more information, please refer to OHS-os-253 Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention Policy.

cc: Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC)

Each year on February 11, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This Day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened.

This year, we connected with Dr. Dominique Cava, Research Associate in Data Science and AI-North Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity, NOSM University for an informal Q&A.

Dr. Cava’s research focuses on using artificial intelligence (AI) in health care systems to enhance decision-making and improve patient care.

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Why did you decide to get into science?

I’ve always been curious about how things work—like piecing together a puzzle. This curiosity led me to ask questions, and science became the perfect way to find answers. I’ve followed this path because I truly enjoy learning and discovering. Now, I’m lucky enough to use my research to make a difference in my community’s health care system, which makes the work even more meaningful.

Tell us about your research — what are you currently working on?

My research focuses on using artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare systems to enhance decision-making and improve patient care. I’m also pursuing community outreach initiatives to improve AI literacy, foster transparency, and build trust in AI. My efforts aim to ensure that advancements in AI benefit everyone equitably.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is conducting detailed and precise research within healthcare systems that have their limits. It’s about balancing research rigor with real-world realities. Another challenge is ensuring that AI tools are developed and implemented in ethical, equitable, and inclusive ways so that they serve all communities fairly.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is the potential to support healthcare providers in their critical work and improve the lives of people within the community. Knowing that my research could make a difference is incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy collaborating with other teams as I have the opportunity to learn from professionals with a variety of backgrounds and combine expertise to create patient-centred solutions with meaningful impact.

Any advice for other women/girls considering a career in science?

Always believe in yourself. Internal motivation is the most powerful. Stay curious and follow your passion even if it leads you down a less traditional path. There are countless paths you can take in science, and when you wake up each day and commit to pursuing your dreams, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

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Learn more about the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day.

This week, we celebrate the incredible contributions of our resident physicians, who are essential to the functioning of our Hospital and the well-being of our patients. As integral members of our health care team, residents serve as the initial point of contact for many patients in teaching hospitals like ours. After completing their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program, they enter a rigorous residency period where they provide direct patient care, including diagnosing, managing, and treating a wide range of health conditions and injuries. In simple terms, residents are not just part of our team—they are the future of our Hospital.

Resident physicians work tirelessly, providing round-the-clock care, often under challenging conditions. Their commitment to learning, growing, and providing compassionate, high-quality patient care is truly admirable. It’s important to recognize that the responsibility for supporting residents extends beyond senior physicians. In a teaching hospital, it’s a collective effort. Nurses, allied health professionals like respiratory therapists, radiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers all play an essential role in shaping the learning environment and supporting residents as they gain valuable experience.

This week, let’s take a moment to appreciate the dedication and hard work of our resident physicians and acknowledge the entire healthcare team that supports their development and ensures the best possible care for our patients.

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Message to Residents from the Chief of Staff

Dear Residents,

As we celebrate Resident Doctor Appreciation Week I would like to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for all of your incredible contributions to research, education, and patient care within our region and at TBRHSC. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed, and you are truly making a difference in the lives of those we care for.

The impact you have on our community is immeasurable, and we are so grateful for the passion and enthusiasm you bring to every aspect of your work. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you and are hopeful that you will consider continuing your career with us in the future.

Thank you once again for all that you do. Your efforts are valued, and we are proud to have you as part of our team.

Warmest regards,
Bradley.

Dr. Bradley Jacobson, Chief of Staff
TBRHSC